Influenza like illness remains widespread throughout Ohio. While it appears that we may now be on a downward trend, flu remains to be an issue statewide.

A reminder of the danger flu poses to children. Even though this year's flu vaccine is not a total match with one of the circulating viruses, a flu shot is still the safest and most effective way to prevent the flu.

Other effective ways to avoid getting or spreading the flu include: washing hands frequently or using hand sanitizers, covering coughs and sneezes, avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth and staying home when sick and until fever free for 24 hours without using fever reducing medication. For more information on the flu and flu activity in Ohio go to www.flu.ohio.gov

OhioGuidestone is offering free parenting programs. Learn parenting strategies for managing behavior, building positive family relationships and supporting child development. Classes will be held at First United Methodist Church 312 Third St. in Elyria on Wednesday nights from 5pm-7:30pm (includes a dinner) from February 18 thru May 20 - Class size is limited to 25 - call 440-260-6468 for more info or to register

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Hate long waits? Want to avoid the crowd?

The Elyria City Health District is offering APPOINTMENT ONLY vaccination clinics for children. Clinics are held on the

3rd Thursday of each month from 1-4 pm

CALL TODAY FOR AN APPOINTMENT: 440-284-1570

*Walk-ins will be accommodated BETWEEN SCHEDULED APPOINTMENTS IF TIME PERMITS

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NEW Children's Walk-in Immunization Clinic schedule:

Walk-in clinic (no appointment necessary)

1st Thursday of each month from 8:30 am-11 am

Please be sure to bring your child's vaccination record to any walk-in or scheduled appointment.

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Lorain County Project DAWN

(Deaths Avoided With Naloxone)

Opioid overdose is one of the leading causes of deaths in Lorain County. Some examples of Opioids include: heroin, morphine, codeine and oxycodone. In order to save lives, the Elyria City Health District is collaborating with the Lorain County General Health District to distribute a medication called nasal naloxone that can reverse an opioid overdose. Nasal naloxone is available for parents, partners and all persons interested in preventing overdose of a loved one.

The next distribution/training to be held at ECHD will be:

Thursday, March 26, 2015 from 5 pm to 7:00 pm

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Visit our Emergency Preparedness page for more information and links to sites that can help you become more prepared for natural or man-made disasters.

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Heatstroke in vehicles is the leading cause of non-crash related fatalities for children 14 and younger

In 2013, 44 children died of heatstroke in the U.S.

In 10 minutes a car can heat up 20 degrees - rolling down a window does little to keep it cool

In 52% of the cases, the child was "forgotten" by the care giver

In 29% of the cases, a child got into the car on their own

Always check the back seat before you lock the car, and always lock the car when not in use.

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In 2012, there were 1,914 deaths caused by unintentional drug overdoses in Ohio. Start Talking! is Ohio's new youth drug prevention initiative. This initiative encourages Ohioans to embrace prevention focused programs aimed at raising awareness and encouraging conversation, all in an effort to stop drug abuse before it starts. For more information: Click here

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Overuse or misuse of antibiotics can cause long term issues of disease resistance to them. The CDC has developed the "Get Smart" campaign to stress that antibiotics are not always the answer, and to promote their proper use. Click here for more information.

The Legislative Committee on Public Health Futures has completed its report to the Governor. The report includes recommendations for legislative and fiscal policies that can be considered for inclusion in the SFY 2014-2015 operating budget bill. Click here to read the report.

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Lorain County Health Assessment:

ECHD along with the Lorain County General Health District, Lorain City Health District, the Public Services Institute at LCCC, the Hospital Council of Northwest Ohio and several other agencies conducted a health assessment for Lorain County in late 2011. The assessment was conducted to identify issues affecting the health of all Lorain County residents. Information from the report will be used in strategic planning to create a Community Health Improvement Plan. This plan will help shape the programs of the future.

Click here for access to the assessment report. Information specific to Elyria can be found on page 113 of the complete report. Feedback to the report is welcomed.

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Free Dental Sealant Program for Children:

The Elyria City Health District has obtained a grant from the Ohio Department of Health to provide free dental sealants to 2nd and 6th grade children who attend schools in Lorain County that meet eligibility requirements.

The National Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies Coalition announces the creation of text4baby, a free mobile information service for pregnant women and new moms. Women who sign up for the service by texting BABY to 511411 (or BEBE for Spanish) receive 3 free text messages each week timed to their due date or baby's date of birth. The messages are on various topics such as: immunization, nutrition, mental health, oral health, safe sleep and prevention of birth defects. The messages can also help connect women to prenatal and infant care services. Click here for more information.

The Elyria City Health District has created a short film in order to promote public health and to show the community of Elyria what types of services the health district has to offer. Click the following link to view this film:

The Elyria City Health District is a community driven organization forming partnerships to promote good health for all through leadership, service and education.

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To report a Class A reportable communicable disease or to report any other public health emergency that can affect the general population to the Elyria City Health District outside of our normal working hours, call 440-329-5444 and appropriate health district personnel will be contacted.